Investigations on structure-function relationships of native and genetically modified ion channels, on origin and distribution as well as on genetic and physiological regulation of expression of different ion channels and membrane proteins are accomplished by in situ and in vitro methods. By combination of TIRFM (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy) with FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) methods protein interactions at cell membranes are studied. In the focus of the research team is the analysis of physiological functions of ion channels during neuronal interactions and development and during cancerogenesis.